MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — In a renewed show of commitment to peace and reintegration, thirty-two former rebels (FRs) voluntarily surrendered a total of 43 firearms to the Bukidnon Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) Committee in a ceremonial turnover held Tuesday, November 26, at the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, Camp Captain Ramon M. Onahon.
The event, witnessed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)–Bukidnon and security forces, marked another milestone in the province’s continuing push for stability and reconciliation.
Based on consolidated reports, the surrendered firearms came from former combatants previously handled by various units operating across Bukidnon. The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion turned over 11 firearms from five FRs, while the 89th Infantry Battalion accounted for another 11 firearms surrendered by 10 former rebels. The 1st Special Forces Battalion contributed seven firearms from four FRs, and the 1003rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion facilitated the turnover of 15 firearms from 13 FRs.
Authorities said the volume of surrendered weapons reflects the widening impact of peacebuilding programs and the increasing willingness of former combatants to abandon armed struggle.
“These firearms symbolize the choice of these individuals to step away from violence and work toward a peaceful and lawful future,” officials said during the program.
Government partners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that former rebels choosing reintegration receive sustained support, including livelihood assistance, psychosocial services, and community-based interventions under ECLIP.
The provincial government underscored that the collective surrender highlights Bukidnon’s steady progress toward long-term peace and development, vowing continued engagement with communities affected by past conflict.
With the turnover completed, the former rebels are set to undergo further assessment and processing for benefits under the government’s reintegration program—an assurance, officials said, that choosing peace opens the door to rebuilding lives and contributing to community growth.